Pedestrian killed on U.S. 421
By Melanie Marshall

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Friday evening on U.S. 421.

Tammy Sue Wagner, 46, of 2710 U.S. 421, Boone, was standing in the westbound lane of traffic near the intersection of George Wilson Road. This section of roadway is directly in front of her residence.

Wagner was struck at 8:42 p.m. by a 2001 Audi passenger car, driven by Sharon Anderson Carlton of Sugar Grove.

Trooper G.A. Johnson of the N.C. Highway Patrol said bystanders told him Wagner had been standing in the road for several minutes and one person had tried to physical remove her from the roadway.

In the eastbound lane, an AppalCART bus had come to a stop and the driver was sounding the horn and flashing the headlights in an attempt to warn oncoming motorists of Wagner’s presence. Other motorists had swerved to miss her prior to the accident, according to witnesses.

Johnson said heavy rain and low visibility were contributing factors. Carlton was not cited in the accident.

The NCHP said Wagner had been drinking alcohol and that intoxication was a likely factor in the accident.

Watauga Medics responded to the scene. CPR was performed on Wagner prior to transport to the Watauga Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at the emergency room.